Who is the Greatest?
Luke 9:38-50
Key Verse: 48
“For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.”
In the last passage, Jesus’ glory as God was unveiled as he was praying. Peter’s heart leaped with joy as he saw His glory. Then, he revealed his heart desire, saying “Master, it is good for us be here!” Peter wanted to live in Jesus’ glory on the mountain. But, God commanded them, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” What an amazing sight it was. However, in today’s passage, as soon as they come
down from the mountain, they confront challenging realities: discouraged disciples, a boy being destroyed by an evil spirit, and a father and crowd filled with skepticism and complaints. Yet in the midst of all these, Jesus serves them all, planting faith in the father’s heart, rebuking the crowd for their unbelief, healing the boy from demon-possession, and teaching the disciples what true greatness is. In a word, Jesus is truly the greatest one of all time – who became the least and served all sinners by sacrificing himself as the Lamb of God. Following this Jesus, we all may become great men and women of God. Becoming like him in mind, heart, and spirit, we may serve one sheep even to the point of sacrificing our own lives just as Jesus die for us.
First, Jesus is Hope of salvation for this unbelieving generation.
The next day Jesus and three of his disciples – Peter, James and John—came down from the mountain. They found a large crowd surrounding the other nine disciples who were arguing with the teachers of the law. (Mk9:14) When the crowd saw Jesus, they all turned and ran toward Jesus and met him. Then, a man in the crowd called out, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child. A spirit seizes him and he
suddenly screams; it throws him into convulsions so that he foams at the mouth. It scarcely ever leaves him and is destroying him. I begged your disciples to drive it out, but they could not.” (38-40)
This man was a father of the boy possessed by a spirit. Our Fathers of Faith in NJ are happy to see their sons growing. Isaac Lee just graduated high school and is going to be a college student. Matthew, Mark and Nehemiah are growing physically and also spiritually. Matthew will participate in GLEF 2023 as one of lectures of “the perspective of Proverbs.” However, this father was in a desperate situation because his only son was seized by a spirit. The spirit threw the boy into convulsions, and also into fire or water to destroy him. Definitely it was an evil spirit which harms or destroys people. We can hear the father’s desperate crying for his only child – “I beg you to look at my son, my only child!” When he found his son in convulsion and foaming at his mouth, the father fell into panic. He could not leave the boy alone even for his reckless behavior such as throwing himself into fire or water. If it was physical or mental illness, the father could have done something. But, it was the work of the evil spirit that could only be helped by Jesus, who has all authority over evil spirit. In his helplessness, the father brought his son to Jesus, for he had heard of Jesus and his disciples who had the power to heal the sick and to command demons out of people. But, unfortunately, Jesus was not there, but Nine of the disciples. In desperation, he begged the disciples to drive out the spirit. For the disciples, it was an opportunity to display their spiritual authority and to affirm that they were the disciples of Jesus, the God’s Messiah.
Then, what happened? All nine of the disciples were failed. No one could help this little boy. Their inability discredited Jesus and also caused serious arguments with the teachers of the law. The crowd, especially the father, was left disappointed by the disciples’ inability to help. Then, the crowd saw Jesus coming down from the mountain. Right away they rushed to him. The father, filled with desperation, cried out, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son!” We remember that just while ago Jesus had given all of his disciples power and authority to heal diseases and to drive out demons. They had gone from village to village, proclaiming the good news, healing the sick and driving out demons. Then, why did they fail this time?
Listen how Jesus replied to the father. Look at verse 41. “You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.” Jesus lamented, calling his generation “unbelieving and perverse,” or, “faithless and twisted” (ESV). Jesus diagnosed the generational sickness of his time as people having no faith and not being the way they should be. And, the disciples were no exception.
Do you think “Unbelief” is that serious problem? Many people think that it is a
personal matter. In Romans 1:29-31, Paul describes all kinds of sin. “They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents,; they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy.” In truth, All these are the results of living without faith in God. It is the consequence of rejecting the truth of God and living in disobedience to God. They could not but become perverse, crooked and twisted by following their own desires. Eventually they live under the devil’s rule, being slaves to sin. Living without faith in God is serious problem; It is root of all sins. The boy was possessed by a evil Spirit: The father had suffered because of his unbelief. The disciples failed to heal the boy – because of their unbelief.
How about our generation? Is our generation better than Jesus’ generation? Not at all. The word of God is the word of eternal life. It is the word of truth. However, young people live without even one word of God to obey. As a result, like the boy, many are seized by evil spirits such as materialism, selfishness, easy-going, sexual immorality, all kinds of addictions, depression, and so on. They become consumed by pity desires of the world, since they live without God’s word of promise to make them a kingdom of priests and aholy nation. Like the father, they suffer by the fear of death. Like the disciples, many fail to reveal the glory of God. All they become to powerless to help even one sheep. In this unbelieving and preserve generation, like the crowd, many people have to endure great sufferings. Why? It was because of shepherd’s lack of
faith.
Then, is there a hope for this hopeless generation? Jesus is our hope. The only hope for this faithless and perverse generation is Jesus. Look at verse 41b. “How long shall I stay with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.” Regardless their lack of faith, Jesus showed great mercy to the father. Jesus said, “Bring your son here.” Do you have a problem that seems impossible? Do you feel helpless? Bring it to Jesus in faith and in prayer, for he is merciful and mighty. Only Jesus is able to help. Even while the boy was coming, the demon threw him to the ground in a convulsion. It seemed like the demon was acting up and wanting Jesus to give up in this battle. But Jesus rebuked the
impure spirit, healed the boy and gave him back to his father. (42) The boy had been set free from the demon and the father received his son back. He must have wept with joy and gratitude as he embraced his son, who was now restored to his right mind. Now he could have a hope that his son would grow to be a man of God. Praise Jesus, the hope for this hopeless generation.
Look at verse 43. The crowd who had disappointed by the disciples were amazed at the greatness of God. Jesus turned the disciples’ failure into a great success. Jesus is our hope and victory. Anyone can fail like the disciples. But even in our failures, we must not let evil spirit take over our hearts. Rather, we must bring our failures to Jesus by faith. Jesus can turn our failures into victory and give glory to God! (Jesus is our only hope for salvation)
Second, the Son of Man is going to be delivered (43b-45)
People were all marveling at what Jesus had done. The disciples must have been relieved from shame and distress. The sense of pride as the disciples of Jesus came back together with the dream of messianic kingdom on earth again. At such joyful moment, what did Jesus do? Look at verse 44. “Listen carefully to what I am about to tell you: The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men.” This was the second time Jesus taught about His impending suffering and death. Why might Jesus talk about such serious topic at this joyful moment?
Jesus determined to plant the truth about God’s Messiah in their hearts. The Messiah must suffer and die first, and then enter into glory. This is the work of God’s Messiah, the core of the gospel, the way of salvation that God has given to mankind. So,
Jesus wanted to plant Gospel faith for the gospel is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes.
For the last over 2000 years, everything has been changed –kingdoms rise and fall, all kinds of generations come and go after one other. But there is unchanging truth that is the truth of the gospel. It must be defended, preserved, guarded and proclaimed for the gospel is the only way of salvation. Jesus said, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (Mk16:16) So, we must have and teach the gospel truth without compromise in our generation.
Then, how did the disciples respond to Jesus’ teaching? Look at verse 45. They did not understand what this meant and were afraid to ask Jesus about it. Luke commented that it was hidden from them so that they did not grasp it. To the disciples who might have dreamed of the earthly kingdom, the idea of Messiah being crucified by the Romans seemed to be nonsense. In fact, they did not want to hear what Jesus was saying because they were afraid of losing their dreams and their worldly ambition. Because of their hidden ambition in their hearts, they became spiritually blind, deaf, and dull. However, after Jesus’ death and resurrection, they could understand and accept the gospel by remembering Jesus’ teaching and also by the help of the Holy Spirit. That is why Jesus taught them gospel again and again without giving up, even saying “Listen carefully…”
Even I myself did not get all truth all at once. After 3 years bible study, I had come to understand the gospel of Jesus with one word “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Thank God for his grace that continues to teach me step by step, day by day, year in and year out until I could understand and accept the gospel of Jesus. C.S Lewis initially held atheistic beliefs and was skeptical of Christianity. However, through gradual interactions with friends like J.R.R Tolkein, and much reflection and study, after 14 years he embraced the Christian faith and became one of its most influential apologists in 20C. His journey from atheism to Christianity is written in his autobiography, “Surprised by joy,” which testifies God’s unfailing grace upon one sinner. He testified that the profound changes that can occur in an individual’s life when they open themselves up to the truth and love of Christ. Let us pray for 1:1 Bible study and discipleship ministry. This is the best way to help others to open their hearts to the word of God. We may form 1:1 Bible Study team, establish 1:1 relationship and we may share the gospel of Jesus faithfully without giving up. In God’s time, when they open their hearts up to the gospel truth, they will change. As long as a shepherd does not give up, there is hope for sheep under his care. Because of a shepherd’s lack of faith, sheep under this care will suffer a lot. On the other hand, because of a shepherd’s unfailing pray for one sheep, God will pour out his mercy and grace upon the sheep no matter how long it might take. Let us pray and share
the gospel of Jesus for one sheep without giving up!
Third, Who is the Greatest (46-50)
Though Jesus taught his suffering and death, the disciples started an argument about which of them would be the greatest. They fully expected Jesus to become a glorious ruler with power and honor, as they made their way to Jerusalem. Each of them
wanted to take the top positions, sitting the right and the left of Jesus’ glorious throne.
With this mindset, they began to argue with each other about who would be the
greatest; who would be worthy to sit the glorious seat. Then, they began to compare themselves with each other, seeing each other as rivals. Jesus knew their thoughts. So Jesus decided to give them an audio-visual illustration to teach them something important.
Jesus took a little child and had him stand next to him. Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.” (48) What does it mean to welcome or receive a little child in Jesus’ name? How does this relate to be great? Often times we regard children as insignificant and marginalized. They were not welcomed, but considered a annoyance. We love to welcome those who are rich, famous, powerful, talented and attractive. It is not easy to welcome those who are poor, weak, and needy for we cannot expect any benefit from them. Rather, we are greatly burdened.
Then, what is Jesus’ point about welcoming little children in his name? Here the word “welcomes” is repeated 4 times. It means to accept them, respect them, and appreciate them. It is possible to do so when we consider the little child higher than ourselves; it is possible to do so when we consider ourselves lower than others. It is possible to do so, when we welcome them as Jesus welcomed us. Though he was the son of God, he made himself nobody to be with us, to receive us, and to serve us by offering himself as sin offering. While we were still sinners, Jesus welcomed us, loved us and gave himself to save us. Jesus welcomed Nicodemus, a man of standing in society. Jesus welcomed a Samaritan woman with a scandalous past. Jesus welcomed a man with leprosy, a paralyzed man, tax collectors and sinners, a demon possessed man, all kinds of sick people, hungry people. Becoming the least of all, Jesus actually bore all their sicknesses until each of them become fully healed, restored, filled, and satisfied. This is what it means to welcome one in Jesus’ name. And, This is also what it means “For it
is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.”
Jesus is the greatest! His greatness does not come from his wealth, power, or achievement. It comes from his loving and caring heart for others. Jesus went the way of the cross for us. He suffered and died to forgive and to set us free from sin and death. That is his greatness. It comes from his loving and caring for others. Who might be the little children? Jesus calls us to love and serve the little child who are weak and needy people in Jesus’ name. Such a person is truly great in Jesus’ eyes, even if they are not recognized by the world’s standards. Jesus is the greatest. Those who follow him will be greatest just like him.
Look at verses 49-50. As Jesus talked about who is the greatest, John spoke up and said, “Master, we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us.” John had a concept of exclusive authority. He did not want to share his privilege of being disciples of Jesus. He might thought that if he shares the privilege with others, the privilege is not privilege any more. To be special, he should be exclusive, so that he could be proud and boastful. He might want to say “Jesus called me personally to come follow him. Jesus gave me authority to heal diseases and drive out demons. Who are you? Where did you get the right to do God’s work?” But Jesus wants us to be inclusive, rather than exclusive. Jesus said, “Do not stop him, for whoever is not against you is for you.” We can be inclusive when we have Jesus’ mindset. Jesus is the head of the church, of which we are small part. We should acknowledge anyone and everyone who works in the name of Jesus.
Here we learn that a truly great person is focused on serving God’s kingdom, rather than his own ambition. The greatest people are not likely world leaders or great by the world’s standards. The greatest people in God might be people who never made it into any history book. We don’t even know their names. But, they are those who had faith in Jesus. They listened and obeyed Jesus’ difficult teachings. They humbly served others in Jesus’ name. We are going to hear Graduation Testimony from Vision Team. It is good to have high education; it is good to be successful. However, the purpose is not to serve our selfish ambition, but to serve other more and better. They may strive to become great like Jesus to serve the little ones more and better. .